The dollar bill is the most accepted. Using an older style bill would be recommended.
The DBV 145 is practically the oldest validators used in these. So older money will be more accepted than the new money.
The sticker you saw was the version of the firmware on the bill validator. As bills evolved they (JCM - the makers of the DBV) had to update the firmware.
There were also updates of the firmware to avoid cheating. One common scam was to take a $5 bill and pencil in certain spots to make the 145 think it was a $50 bill.
When this became prevalent many casinos disabled the dip switch that allowed acceptance of the $50. Most casinos told JQ-Public that $50's were unlucky and this myth continues to this day.
To that point here is an older thread that you can follow on how to check the dip switches on the 145.
JCM DBV-145 what are the dip switch settings? (newlifegames.com)You mentioned all the noise from the validator when the machine powers on. This noise will occur regardless if the validator is enabled or not.
To enable the bill validator you need a SET chip. You remove the game chip, insert the set chip, follow the onscreen instructions and then put the game chip back.
If your buying a SET chip I recommend you buy a Clear chip as well as this takes your machine back to factory defaults.
You can check out RICKs FAQs on the bottom right of the home page, for the S+ instructions on how to use the SET chip.
The PE+ and the S+ (slot) are based on the same architecture and work the same way.
The advantage with the PE+ is you have an onscreen menu vs reading winner paid windows for codes.
It looks like the validator is enabled (lit up) but without a set chip I can't confirm that it is.
Is the bill being pulled in an rejected or not being pulled in at all ?? if its not pulling in at all this leans towards the validator NOT being enabled.
There is also the possibility that the validator has firmware for another country - ie Canada.
Another trick for posting pic's is to take them with your smart phone then email them to yourself - you will get prompted with the option to reduce size. Post the smaller pics.
Fixed font issue. -knagl